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Modern Japan is a country of mind-boggling technology, constantly changing trends, ultra-dense urban environments and grueling schedules. Yet, visitors soon realize that the Japanese also have a strong connection to Mother Nature, celebrating her varied garbs with much dedication and—often—a sense of melancholy over the inevitable passing of time.
These celebrations can be loud and raucous, as with the cherry blossom parties in the
spring, or they can be quietly contemplative, as in the case of tsukimi, the Moon Festival.
Tsukimi (literally meaning “moon watching”) is traditionally held on August 15
by the old Lunar Calendar.* The full moon on this particular day, known as jugoya (“harvest moon”), is considered the year’s most beautiful. In ancient times,
members of the royal court would gather beneath it for a sip of sake and to seek
inspiration for poems. Farmers would also pray to it for a good harvest, and to
thank it for lighting up the fields at night. |
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Today, although tsukimi still formally occurs on August 15, it is also common for friends and family to gather on the night of the full moon in mid-September. After
choosing a good spot, which could be out in the open or in somebody’s apartment, the gathered party admires the moon’s serene beauty while eating tsukimi-dango, round, chewy confections made of pounded rice. It is also common to place silver grass, bush clover and other autumn flowers by the house windows as a traditional offering to the moon.
Tsukimi is not as famous as cherry blossom watching, but it is certainly special. It is particularly magical in the countryside, where the chirping of crickets and the gradual reddening of trees give a definite sense of the summer ending and autumn approaching.
* By the solar calendar used today, this date may vary slightly. |
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